Himachal
Pradesh
7-Day Tour by Car
Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala — the definitive Himachal circuit. Snow peaks, cedar forests, Tibetan culture, and mountain adventures.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Delhi to Shimla
Delhi → Karnal → Chandigarh → Kalka → Shimla
- Depart Delhi early morning (5-6 AM)
- Breakfast stop at Murthal or Karnal (famous paranthas)
- Drive through scenic Kalka-Shimla highway
- Check into hotel near Mall Road area
- Evening walk on Mall Road and The Ridge
Mall Road area, Lakkar Bazaar, or Sanjauli
Book hotel near Mall Road for easy walking access. Parking is scarce — our driver will handle it.
Shimla Sightseeing & Kufri
Shimla → Kufri → Shimla
- Visit Jakhoo Temple (Hanuman statue with city views)
- Kufri excursion — horse riding, yak rides, mini zoo
- Walk through Shimla Heritage Zone
- Visit Christ Church and Gaiety Theatre
- Shopping at Lakkar Bazaar (wooden crafts)
Shimla (same hotel)
Kufri is best visited before 11 AM to avoid crowds. Carry warm layers even in summer.
Shimla to Manali
Shimla → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
- Early departure (7 AM) for scenic mountain drive
- Stop at Sundernagar Lake for photos
- Lunch in Mandi — gateway to Kullu Valley
- Drive through apple orchards in Kullu Valley
- Check into hotel in Old Manali or Mall Road area
Old Manali (budget/backpacker), Mall Road (mid-range), or Solang Road (luxury)
This is a long mountain drive. Take breaks every 2 hours. Road passes through stunning river valleys.
Manali Sightseeing
Manali local sightseeing
- Hadimba Devi Temple (ancient cedar wood temple)
- Solang Valley — paragliding, zorbing, rope way
- Vashisht Hot Springs and Temple
- Manu Temple and Old Manali cafes
- Evening at Mall Road — shopping and food
Manali (same hotel)
Solang Valley activities cost ₹500-2,500 each. Negotiate prices. Rohtang Pass excursion can be added as an optional Day 4.5 (permits required, ₹500-800 extra).
Manali to Dharamshala
Manali → Mandi → Palampur → Dharamshala
- Depart after breakfast (8 AM)
- Drive through Mandi and Jogindernagar
- Optional stop at Baijnath Temple (ancient Shiva temple)
- Tea gardens of Palampur (photo stops)
- Reach McLeodGanj by evening, explore local market
McLeodGanj (backpacker area) or Dharamshala main town (family stays)
McLeodGanj is 10 km above Dharamshala. Stay in McLeodGanj for the best experience — Tibetan culture, cafes, and monastery access.
Dharamshala & McLeodGanj
Dharamshala → McLeodGanj → Bhagsu → Dharamshala
- Dalai Lama Temple Complex (Tsuglagkhang)
- Bhagsu Nag Temple and Bhagsu Waterfall
- Tibetan Museum and Norbulingka Institute
- HPCA Cricket Stadium (most scenic cricket ground)
- Naddi viewpoint for Dhauladhar mountain views
- Tibetan food — momos, thukpa, tingmo at local cafes
Dharamshala/McLeodGanj (same hotel)
Carry an umbrella — Dharamshala gets unexpected showers. The Triund trek (9 km) can be attempted as a sunrise trek if you have the energy.
Dharamshala to Delhi
Dharamshala → Pathankot → Jalandhar → Karnal → Delhi OR via Dalhousie
- Option A: Direct return to Delhi via Pathankot highway
- Option B: Quick Dalhousie detour (add 3-4 hrs) — visit Khajjiar (Mini Switzerland)
- Lunch stop at Jalandhar or Karnal
- Arrive Delhi by late evening (8-9 PM)
Reach Delhi
If taking the Dalhousie detour, leave by 5 AM. Khajjiar meadow is worth the detour if time permits. For a more relaxed trip, extend to 8 days.
7-Day Himachal Tour Pricing
All-inclusive: fuel, driver, tolls, parking & permits
Tempo Traveller (12-seater)
10-12 passengers | Groups & joint families
* Hotel, meals & activity costs not included. Custom itineraries available.
Packing Checklist
Clothing
- Warm jacket/fleece (even in summer)
- Rain jacket/umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers for daytime
- Woolen cap and gloves (Dec-Feb)
Essentials
- Valid ID proof (Aadhar/Passport)
- Power bank & car charger
- Medicines (motion sickness, basic first aid)
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Cash (ATMs limited in some areas)
More Road Trip Itineraries
Travel Guides & Resources
Helpful guides for planning your Himachal road trip
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of a 7-day Himachal tour by car from Delhi?
Sedan (Dzire/Etios) costs approximately ₹35,000, SUV (Innova/Ertiga) costs ₹50,000, and Innova Crysta costs ₹60,000. This includes vehicle, fuel, driver allowance, tolls, and parking. Hotels, meals, and activity costs are separate.
What is included in the cab cost?
Our cab pricing includes the vehicle, fuel, driver daily allowance (₹300-400/day), all tolls, parking charges, and state entry permits. Driver accommodation is handled by us. You only need to plan your own hotel and meals.
Is this route safe during monsoon (July-September)?
Monsoon season brings landslide risks on Shimla-Manali and Manali-Dharamshala routes. We recommend avoiding July-August. If you must travel, our experienced mountain drivers know alternate routes and we monitor road conditions 24/7.
Can I customize this 7-day itinerary?
Absolutely! You can add Dalhousie, extend to Spiti Valley, add Khajjiar, skip a city, or spend extra days. Call us at 7668570551 to discuss your perfect itinerary. We have done hundreds of custom Himachal trips.
Which vehicle is recommended for Himachal mountain roads?
SUV (Innova or Ertiga) is strongly recommended for the Shimla-Manali stretch due to mountain roads. Sedan works for the Shimla-only or Dharamshala-only trips but has limited ground clearance on rough patches.
What is the best time to do a 7-day Himachal tour?
March-June for pleasant weather and snow in higher areas. September-November for clear skies and autumn colors. December-February for snowfall lovers (roads may close temporarily). Avoid July-August monsoon season.
Do I need to book hotels in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (May-June, Dec-Jan). We can recommend budget to luxury hotels in each city. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for popular areas like Mall Road Shimla and Old Manali.
Can I extend to 8-10 days?
Yes! Common extensions include adding Dalhousie + Khajjiar (1-2 days), Rohtang Pass excursion (1 day), Kasol-Manikaran (1 day), or spending extra time in Manali. Additional days cost ₹5,000-8,500/day depending on vehicle.
Your Himachal Adventure Awaits
Sedan from ₹35,000 | SUV from ₹50,000 | All-inclusive pricing